717. FLEMING, H. W., AND CROMEANS, J. S. (Phillips Petroleum Co.). Separation of Oxygenated Organic Compounds. United States Patent 2,586,929. Feb. 26, 1952: appl. filed Apr. 18. 1949. Serial No. 88,092; 3 claims (Cl. 260-488).

Patent Abstracts

717. FLEMING, H. W., AND CROMEANS, J. S. (Phillips Petroleum Co.). Separation of Oxygenated Organic Compounds. United States Patent 2,586,929. Feb. 26, 1952: appl. filed Apr. 18. 1949. Serial No. 88,092; 3 claims (Cl. 260-488).

Method is provided for resolving difficulty separable oxygenated compounds resulting from the catalytic hydrogenation of a C oxide, specifically a mixture of EtOH, methyl-n-propyl ketone, and H₂O. The separation is effected by adding enough formic or acetic acid or a mixture thereof to esterify at least part of the EtOH to the corresponding ester. A trace of mineral acid (4 drops of concentrated H₂SO₄ in 200 ml. of the mixture) is added to catalyze the esterfication reaction. The ester is then removed by distillation or other suitable means in the form of wither the ester alone or an azeotrope of the ester, EtOH, and H₂O.